Like this:

These are the cries and chants we yelled yesterday in Boise, Idaho, USA. I don’t know what others’ agenda was; but I do know here in Boise, it was for the rights of all, big and small, every gender, every orientation. It is my responsibility as a citizen, if I am able to have ACTIVE role in democracy so that the voices of the many are heard. We will support our President because it IS a democracy, Some people thought it was disrespectful to have a rally the day after Trump was inaugurated, but if AMERICA BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE, then we need to keep what matters to us in the forefront. And Women’s Rights = Human Rights. (That’s an EQUAL SIGN!) Women have worked far to long and hard for anyone to forget the rights gained the past century and have progress rewound. Never forget.

I had a lump in my throat as I witnessed the sea of people in all directions, and I had that shaky billy goat sound when I spoke. I was a PROUD AMERICAN in that moment exercising my rights as a citizen. It was peaceful; the people were kind and respectful; the air was full of celebration and yes, the air was full of FREEDOM. These are the rights I fought for…

I MARCHED FOR YOU!

I saw a grandpa with a sign saying he marched for his wife, his daughters and his granddaughters. There were men and women and children, people of all ages and color and all value systems. And it was beautiful. You can say what you want…but I know why I marched.

I MARCHED FOR YOU!

I wanted to show you some of the signs we saw while we were out and what OUR PEACEFUL focus was.

Like this:

Many people can’t wait to be “rid” of 2016, and while I think there was so much of 2016 that broke my heart and brought me to my knees, especially the loss of so many dear ones, I know that much was learned, even with the loss and the trials and tribulations. Without them, I may not have been in gratitude for the greatness in my life, or I may have missed a valuable lesson. For every thing, there is a season and a reason.

I will especially miss my brother Joey and my brother-in-law John..but these lessons taught me to love my family fiercely and keep on making memories!

When I closed the door on teaching, I was excited, and I was devasted at the loss of an identity…but the release of that, allowed me to open many new doors, including travel! I got to witness the beautiful faces of Indian people who look at you deeply to your soul and started my world sisterhood with 20 year old women who invited me to go to Poland…I got to play the drums with the kids and teach them hand games and bring much needed supplies.

and then I got to travel to Africa with Joe and feel my soul burst open wide! And extended my sisterhood to Africa with women who loved me and enfolded me into their community without a word…we connected heart to heart…and then of course, I got to fall in love with the kids around the world too…telling stories and playing games and yes, playing drums and singing! And of course, nothing is complete without a Safari to witness all of God’s wonders.

I’m still teaching, but in ways I never imagined. I get to bring out the gold in people, especially young people. I love that!

I don’t know what 2017 holds for me, but I am ELATED to see all that it holds and reveals to me and me BEING me and giving my contribution. I am truly blessed.